Yale Restraining Order Violations

Violating a restraining order can lead to serious criminal penalties for the person accused of doing so, whether they have any other domestic violence convictions or not. Dealing with a restraining order violation on or around Yale’s campus in a proactive way is not something any layperson is equipped to handle alone, especially if they are broadly unfamiliar with the family and criminal court processes. If you want the best odds at a fair resolution to this uniquely sensitive type of case, seeking help from an experienced restraining order attorney should be your top priority.

How Does State Law Define Restraining Order Violations?

Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) § 46b-15 establishes restraining orders as an option for individuals who fear imminent physical harm from a family or household member. Restraining orders can cover most of the same territory as protective orders stemming from before or after someone’s conviction for a family violence offense. In addition, they can impose rules regarding how matters like financial support and childcare will be handled while the order is in effect.

According to C.G.S. § 53a-223b, a person who violates a restraining order has committed a Class D felony offense, potentially punishable upon conviction by up to five years of prison time plus $5,000 in fines. Any such violation that involves the defendant threatening, harassing, assaulting, attacking, or restraining a protected party in any way may be categorized as a Class C felony. This could result in harsher penalties of one to 10 years imprisonment and $10,000 in fines.

Finally, under C.G.S. § 53a-107, any person who violates a protective order by entering or remaining inside a building or on specific premises without authorization or permission has committed Criminal Trespass in the First Degree. As an attorney experienced with handling Yale restraining order violations can explain, this is a Class A misdemeanor for which convicted individuals may face one year maximum of jail and $2,000 maximum in fines.

How Do You Contest Restraining Order Violation Charges in Yale?

Fighting back against an accusation of a restraining order violation at or around Yale works a lot like contesting any other type of criminal allegation. Each situation is unique. Different forms of evidence, such as verbal testimony, social media or cell phone records, and surveillance camera footage, may be necessary to establish that a violation did not actually occur or does not meet the criteria for a specific criminal offense.

It is worth emphasizing that while showing a court that a restraining order violation was accidental rather than intentional may be helpful in reducing the severity of penalties, it is not sufficient to get charges dropped altogether. Someone who breaches the terms of a court order inadvertently has still committed a criminal offense by definition.

Talk to an Attorney About Yale Restraining Order Violations

Having a restraining order imposed against you can be immensely disruptive to your personal and professional life. However, no matter how restrictive the restraining order is, being convicted of violating such an order could have far more significant repercussions, including a permanent record as a convicted felon.

Handling Yale restraining order violations efficiently and effectively is much easier with guidance from qualified legal representation. Schedule a private consultation by calling Mark Sherman Law today, and click here to read what past clients have to say about working with us.